The Dubai-Denmark Maritime Symposium on Sunday highlighted the maritime potential and area of cooperation existing between Dubai and Denmark while promoting Dubai as one of the leading global maritime hubs in the region.

Organised by the Royal Consulate General of Denmark at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry premises, the symposium was attended by Majid Saif Al Ghurair, chairman, Dubai Chamber, Troels Lund Poulsen, Danish Minister of Business and Growth, Merete Juhl, Ambassador of Denmark to the UAE, Jenny Braat, managing director, Danish Maritime and over 40 visiting delegation and UAE businessmen.

In his welcome address, Al Ghurair stated that Denmark and Dubai are both maritime hubs for their respective regions and share synergies with long-standing shipping partnerships. “This important symposium provides a fitting platform for Dubai-based companies to network with international maritime business leaders and expand their footprint abroad while laying the foundation of a strong business relationship with their Danish counterparts in the long run.

He highlighted the importance of the maritime sector to Dubai’s world trade, revealing that shipping accounted for 39 per cent of Dubai’s total foreign trade in 2015 with ocean freight trade value amounting to Dh501 billion ($136 billion). He added that Dubai is the world’s third largest transhipment hub after Hong Kong and Singapore, being home to some of the world’s best ports.

“The emirate is also known for its expertise in shipbuilding, vessel servicing and container management as the establishment of the Dubai Maritime City, under the vision of the emirate’s wise leadership, has brought in a radical change to the industry and strengthened Dubai’s position as a first-class international maritime hub,” said Al Ghurair.

He added, “Dubai Chamber is supporting this strategy with a variety of initiatives aimed at expanding trade within the sector as the organisation is keen to encourage the adoption of the world’s best practices, and latest technological applications of environmentally friendly initiatives to facilitate the growth of the emirate’s maritime sector.”

Poulsen said: “Shipping and the maritime sector is the backbone of global trade. Therefore, we have to be vigilant as the international maritime sector faces a number of challenges. But with challenges also come opportunities and we have the opportunity to develop new sustainable solutions and be front runners in developing and using new digital solutions.

“I truly hope that Denmark, Dubai and the UAE will benefit greatly from working closer together in the future as for both countries the maritime sector is important for growth and employment.  Danish maritime exports today account for almost a quarter of total Danish exports which has led Denmark to become one of the largest maritime nations in the world. It is therefore vital that we continue to focus on improving the framework conditions for the industry in order to promote its competitiveness,” added Poulsen.

Braat, managing director, Danish Maritime, said: “The symposium marks the beginning of a stronger maritime cooperation between Denmark and the UAE. Danish expertise is strong in developing environmentally friendly maritime products and technology solutions. We deliver marine equipment and maritime services to the highest safety standards.

“Therefore, the Danish expertise can significantly contribute to making the strategic vision for the maritime industry in Dubai a reality – a vision that puts strong emphasis on innovative green shipbuilding and maritime safety as important growth drivers for a dynamic maritime cluster in Dubai,” she said. – TradeArabia News Service